Makaleha pritchardia Facts for Kids

The Makaleha pritchardia, also known as Pritchardia hardyi, is a very special type of palm tree. It grows only in the moist forests on the island of Kauaʻi in Hawaii. This beautiful palm is quite rare and is considered an endangered species.

Quick facts for kids Makaleha pritchardia

Conservation status
Critically Endangered (IUCN 2.3)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Clade:	Commelinids
Order:	Arecales
Family:	Arecaceae
Genus:	Pritchardia
Species:	P. hardyi
Binomial name
*Pritchardia hardyi* Rock
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The Makaleha Pritchardia Palm
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The Makaleha Pritchardia Palm

The Makaleha pritchardia (scientific name: Pritchardia hardyi) is a unique palm tree. It is found only on the island of Kauaʻi in Hawaii. This means it is "endemic" to that island. It grows in wet forest areas that are less than 2,000 feet (about 610 meters) high.

What Does This Palm Look Like?

This palm tree grows very quickly. Its main trunk can reach a height of 80 feet (about 24 meters). The trunk is also quite wide, about 1 foot (0.3 meters) across. The large leaves of this palm can be up to 3 feet (about 0.9 meters) long.

Why Is This Palm Endangered?

The Makaleha pritchardia is a critically endangered plant. In 1998, scientists found only about 30 of these trees left in the wild. They were all growing along one single trail on Kauaʻi. Because there are so few of them, the United States government has listed it as a federally protected endangered species. This means it is against the law to harm these trees.

Protecting This Palm

Efforts are being made to protect the Makaleha pritchardia. Scientists and conservationists are working to help these rare palms survive. Protecting their natural habitat is very important. This helps ensure that future generations can also see these amazing trees.